LocationTurnbull Airfield was located at Milne Bay near Gili Gili beside Swinger Bay (also known as Stringer Bay). Bordered by trees of the prewar coconut plantation. Also known as 'Turnbull Field'.

ConstructionUnder construction during the Battle of Milne Bay, a single runway was built running roughly east to west into Milne Bay. During its early
days of operation, the strip was made of 5,000' of marston
matting.

World War II Pacific Theatre History During the Battle of Milne Bay, the Japanese 5th Kure SNLF was advancing from the east. Defending the strip were Australian A-Coy (25th Battalion), 61st Battalion and US Army 43rd Engineers. Barbed wire was strung across the runway, and half tracks, guns and mortars on the far side. Japanese attacked the strip on August 31, 1942 between 1:00-5:00am, failing to capture the strip, they pull back.

TodayDisused since the war, only the former runway area remains visible.

Japanese Mass Grave Marker
After the August 31, 1942 battle, two privates erected a simple sign on Japanese mass grave at the edge of the strip. Originally the sign read:

This marks the westernmost point of the Japanese advance
August 1942
85 Unknown Japanese Marines Lie Buried Here

The monument became a popular spot for photos to be taken. In May 1944 a permanent plaque was established.

Turnbull Field Monument
A metal plaque was placed at the airfield telling the history of Sqn Ldr Peter Turnbull, erected by donations from family and veterans, and propeller donated by the RAAF.

You are standing on the eastern side of
what was in 1942 No. 3 Airstrip later named
Turnbull Field
In Honor of Sqn Ldr Peter St George Turnbull, D. F. C.
C. O. of No 76 Squadron
Born Ammdale NSW 9-2-1917
Killed in Action 27-9-1942 during a strafing
run on enemy near Sandersons Bay
To Strive - To Seek - To Find
Not To Yield
Erected by donations from family, veterans
and those who remember
Propeller donated by R.A.A.F.